Table 1.

Key considerations for evaluating pandemic responses

Consideration	Key research questions
Cross border cooperation to enhance domestic preparedness and response	How can countries strengthen existing cross border cooperation structures to facilitate cooperation?        How can national rules and regulations be refined to permit cross border cooperation during health emergencies?
National governance and leadership to guide timely responses	What are the elements that can allow head of states and governments to lead effectively before, during, and after public health emergencies?       How can political systems be organised and strengthened to ensure that health emergencies are prioritised despite differing political ideologies?
Incorporating scientific advice and evidence into decision making	How can scientific evidence be better incorporated in national policy processes?       What processes are needed for effective communication between the scientific communities and decision makers?
Pre-existing community engagement structures towards greater trust	How can countries establish trust within communities?       What are the structures that can foster and encourage bi-directional communication between the community and decision makers?       How can the community be more involved in decision making processes and co-produce community friendly policies?
Role of social norms and cohesion in shaping national responses	How can decision makers gain a better understanding of the social norms in their community?       What are the structures needed to facilitate social cohesion?
Intersection of biological and social factors with inequalities	How can decision makers incorporate issues relating to how biological and social factors interact with social inequalities in the policy process?       What are the structures (community and national) that can improve social conditions as part of national development?       How can socioeconomic inequalities be addressed more effectively?